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26 April 2023 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied
“Seeing an African child succeed was always my motivation to work hard and strive for success,” says Masabata Chabeli, founder of NDSH, a newly established coding and robotics skills development programme.

Masabata Chabeli’s journey from teacher to tech entrepreneur led her to establish New Dawn Skills Hub (NDSH), which focuses on developing skills in coding and robotics, building a new generation of artificial intelligence (AI) and fourth industrial revolution (4IR) experts. 

Chabeli is a former UFS lecturer and a graduate of the EBL Institute of Business and Technology, which partners with the UFS Business School on community development, entrepreneurship development, and digital skills development programmes that benefit not only the youth but South Africans at large. 

Through NDSH she aims to bridge the gap between education and industry to from an early age equip pre-schoolers and learners with the skills necessary for success in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. 

She believes that when it comes to inventing new things not much has been done to encourage learners to be creative and innovative, especially at school level. “We have a long way to go,” she says.

Even though NDSH is still at an early stage of its development as a coding and robotics skills development service provider, the company already offers a range of programmes, from early childhood development (ECD) programmes for ages six months to Grade R, to a tutoring programme covering mathematics, science and technology.

Discovering her passion

Although she had always been a tech enthusiast, Chabeli never imagined pursuing a career in technology, let alone starting a business. “Teaching has always been my first passion,” she says. “But after more than a decade of teaching, I realised I wasn’t fulfilled. I wanted more, but I didn't know what that was.”

It wasn’t until 2017, when she was one of 45 lecturers from around the country selected to spend a month in China learning about 4IR technologies, including courses on coding and robotics, 3D-printing applications, and intelligent manufacturing, that Chabeli’s interest in tech was piqued. Two years later, she resigned from her position as a lecturer at the University of Free State to start her own tech business – and she hasn't looked back since.

Walking the road with Chabeli was Lesala Khetheng, Business Manager representing the EBL Institute of Business and Technology. Chabeli completed EBL’s Entrepreneurship and Business Literacy Programme and the Women in Digital Business Challenge.

I strongly encourage women who want to enter the innovation space to do so, because there is a great need. We must raise a next generation of innovators, who can solve their own problems through innovative ideas. – Masabata Chabeli
Overcoming the obstacles 

The journey towards achieving one’s dreams is often riddled with obstacles. “As a teacher with no prior business experience, I was ill-prepared for the day-to-day operations of running a business, and I neglected that aspect. However, I was fortunate enough to participate in the Entrepreneur Business Literacy (EBL) Institute mentorship programme in 2021-2022, which taught me about critical business components such as marketing, business management, cashflow, sales, and more.

“Having to prove that ‘I can’ as a black woman in technical fields has also been one of the challenges that I had to overcome. I have had to go above and beyond and work 10 times harder than my male counterparts to prove that I am just as capable,” she remarks.

Often being the only woman in the local industry made her doubt herself and feel like she didn’t belong. She says it was challenging because sometimes she found herself trying to talk, walk, and act like her male counterparts just to fit in. However, staying true to herself, being authentic, and having confidence in her abilities has helped her.

Greatest accomplishments

She says one of her greatest accomplishments thus far was taking a leap of faith by resigning and starting her own tech business. “The business was officially registered in February 2020, shortly before we were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, the business has been growing steadily, starting with only two children, and now serving over 50 across all our programmes.”

Another highlight for her was being selected as one of the Top 10 MTN SA Foundation Women in ICT Challenge female entrepreneurs. 

While she talks proudly about these successes, Chabeli is of the opinion that starting your own business is not for the faint-hearted. “It requires a lot of patience, hard work, and passion. You must prepare yourself for long hours and sacrificing time with family and friends. Discipline is also an important aspect when running your own business."

Women in the inventing space

“I strongly encourage women who want to enter the innovation space to do so, because there is a great need. We must raise a next generation of innovators, who can solve their own problems through innovative ideas,” she says.

Chabeli elaborates, “Seeing an African child succeed was always my motivation to work hard and strive for success, especially in the areas of literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, which are all valuable competencies for inventing new things. It inspired me to lend a helping hand in bridging the skills gap that our country is facing.”

News Archive

UFS bids Dr Franklin Sonn farewell
2010-06-01

Attending the Chancellor's Dinner were, from the left: Judge Ian van der Merwe, Chairperson of the UFS Council; Dr Franklin Sonn, former Chancellor of the UFS; and Judge Faan Hancke, former Chairperson of the UFS Council.
Photo: Stephen Collett


The University of the Free State (UFS) bade its former Chancellor, Dr Franklin Sonn farewell during the Chancellor’s Dinner that was hosted on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein recently.

Dr Sonn held this office from 2002 and retired as Chancellor of the UFS on 31 December
2009.

“Dr Sonn lent dignity and stature to the position of Chancellor and to the UFS. Although this position is mainly ceremonial, he made deciding contributions to important decisions by the UFS and the strategic direction of the institution. We thank him for this,” Judge Ian van der Merwe, Chairperson of the UFS Council said.

In a tribute to Dr Sonn, Judge Faan Hancke, former Chairperson of the UFS Council said that he was a remarkable person. “His versatility is clear from the fact that he is currently the chairperson of seven listed companies. He is, amongst others, the patron of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, trustee of the Desmond Tutu Freedom Trust and former South African Ambassador to the USA.”

Dr Sonn holds 12 honorary doctorates; has been nominated by the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI) as community leader of the year for 1999; received the national award from President Thabo Mbeki known as the “National Order Counsellor of the Baobab Silver” in 2008, as well as the award “International Salute Award in Honour of Dr Martin Luther King Jnr” – “For working to Keep the Dream Alive” – in January 1996. He was the Rector of the Peninsula Technikon and is also a former President of the AHI, Chairperson of the “United States – South African Leadership Exchange” and former member of the SABC Board.

Judge Hancke said that Dr Soon lent new prestige and status to the office of Chancellor and as such showed unbelievable loyalty towards the UFS. “He was a role model for all. Our best wishes accompany him and his wife, Joan,” he said.

The UFS Council will appoint a new Chancellor on Friday, 4 June 2010.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (acting)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za  
1 June 2010
 

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